I have a long haired breed in full coat who has recently been mated.  I am getting conflicting advice from vet/groomer/other owners about whether she needs to be shaved round her nipples and vulva.  Opinions?

I have a long haired breed too, one of which I have bred from.  Toward the end of a pregnancy, the bitches shed some of their tummy hair themselves in readiness, but I have shaved my girls tummy already - initially this was for scans although it's not always necessary, but with mine having full coats, I like to shave.  It won't do any harm whichever way you go.  My girl is 2 weeks away from whelping now so I will keep her shaved from now until puppies are born then leave it to grow back on it's own.

Hope that helps

Never had a really coated breed but I would shave one if I had, much easier to see what's going on and to keep the bitch clean, she would probably blow her coat after the litter so it will soon grow back again